Under-Earth

A group of criminals exiled to a penal colony in the ruins of an underground city ruled by vicious gangs finds their fates intertwined in this masterfully crafted thriller from creator Gooch (Deep Breaths). Ele is obsessed with collecting scavenged artifacts from the outside world, pragmatic Zoe focuses on day-to-day existence; after proving their prowess as burglars by committing a string of heists at the behest of a criminal overlord called the Map King, they’re offered information on how to escape in return for stealing a rare flower belonging to the Deputy Warden. Meanwhile, Malcolm, a physically imposing, introverted veteran inmate, befriends newcomer Reece and endeavors to teach him the skills he’ll need to survive. Following a series of twists and shocking betrayals, Ele and Zoe find themselves marked for death and on the run, and Malcolm is forced to compete in a series of brutal, bare-knuckle gladiatorial brawls before crowds of rowdy spectators. Gooch builds to a brutal climax before offering a deeply tender, legitimately moving denouement.